40 English Short Stories for Learning English
Reading is key to improving your English skills. It’s an immersive, expansive learning exercise. While this is true, some people may not have the time or patience to sit down and read a novel. They might not know how to improve reading comprehension from the comfort of home. This is where short stories come in.
English short stories are a great way to improve your English while still enjoying a good story. Not only are they shorter and easier to fit into a busy schedule, but they also offer some benefits for English learners:
- Short stories are manageable and flexible with your time.
- Reading also helps you understand grammar and its use.
- English Short Stories are a fun and easy way to improve your English.
- They are also a great way to relax and enjoy yourself.
- Perhaps most importantly, short stories can help you learn new vocabulary in context.
Rather than memorizing lists of words, you can see how new words are used in different situations. In addition, reading fiction can also improve your comprehension skills and help you become a more fluent reader. Articles for English reading can also serve a similar purpose. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your English skills, be sure to check out some English short stories. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy them.
In this blog, we will show you an extensive list of our top 40 favorite short stories for English readers of all capabilities. This collection of stories ranges from Folklore to Science Fiction. Keep reading if you want to find the perfect short story to read!
5 English Short Stories for Learning English
The Bogey Beast by Flora Annie Steel
The Bogey Beast is the first book from our collection of stories. It is a simple story by Flora Annie Steel that tells the story of a young boy who is scared of the dark. The boy, named Tommy, is terrified of the bogey beast that he believes lives in the dark. This short story is a great way to teach children about being afraid of the dark. It also helps them to understand that there is nothing to be afraid of in the dark. With simple English paragraphs for reading, this story is a great introduction. This story can help English learners to understand the use of vocabulary related to fear and darkness.
The Tortoise and the Hare by Aesop
The Tortoise and the Hare is a classic fable by Aesop. The story tells the tale of a hare who underestimates a tortoise and ultimately loses a race to him. This story is good for learning English because it teaches an important lesson about taking things slow and steady. It also introduces vocabulary related to animals, racing, and competition. In addition, the story can help English learners to understand the use of idiomatic expressions such as “to take something slow and steady.”
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Peter Rabbit is a classic children’s story by Beatrix Potter. The story tells the tale of a mischievous rabbit named Peter who gets into trouble in Mr. McGregor’s garden. This story is suitable for learning English because it teaches important lessons about obedience and consequences. It also introduces vocabulary related to animals, plants, and gardening.
Orientation by Daniel Orozco
Orientation is a short story by Daniel Orozco that tells the story of a new employee’s first day at a company. The story follows the employee as he goes through orientation and learns about the company’s policies and procedures. This story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to work, city life, and business.
Girl by Jamaica Kincaid
“Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid is a short story that tells the story of a young girl who is learning how to become a woman. The story is set in the Caribbean and follows the girl as she learns about various aspects of womanhood, including cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. This story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to womanhood and the Caribbean.
5 English Short Stories for Beginners
How Jack Went Out To Seek His Fortune
Jack is a young boy who decides to go out and seek his fortune. He meets many different people along the way, including a giant, a king, and a wizard. This simple story about humans is good for learning English because it introduces technical vocabulary related to adventure, work, and real power.
The Adventures of Aladdin
The Adventures of Aladdin is a classic story that tells the tale of a young boy who finds a magic lamp and uses its powers to become rich and powerful. This moral story is good for learning English because it introduces technical vocabulary related to adventure, work, and relationships.
Basho Haiku Poetry
Basho Haiku Poetry is a great way to learn English while also enjoying the beauty of poetry. Basho was a Japanese poet who wrote haiku, or short poems, that were often about nature. His poems are simple and elegant, and they can help English learners to understand the use of vocabulary related to nature and the seasons.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
The Wind in the Willows is a classic story by Kenneth Grahame that tells the tale of a group of animals who live in the English countryside. The story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to nature and the seasons while incorporating cheerful characters.
How They Ran Away by Louisa May Alcott
How They Ran Away is a short story by Louisa May Alcott that tells the story of two young boys who run away from home. The story about humans is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to adventure and North American expressions. Alcott is a classic American author with a style and substance that is perfect for beginners.
5 English Short Stories for Intermediate English Learners
The Marsh King’s Daughter by Hans Christian Andersen
The Marsh King’s Daughter is a classic moral story from Hans Christian Andersen’s story collection that tells the tale of a young girl who is kidnapped by a marsh king and held captive in his kingdom. The story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to human emotions and relationships.
Little Benjamin by Laura E. Richards
Little Benjamin is a short story by Laura E. Richards that tells the story of a young boy who is separated from his parents during a storm. The story is good for learning English because it teaches vocabulary related to weather and family. 5 English Short Stories for Advanced English Learners.
The Golden Windows by Laura E. Richards
The Golden Windows is a short story by Laura E. Richards that tells the story of a young girl who is given a magic window that allows her to see the future. The story is good for learning English because it teaches vocabulary related to time, prophecy, real power, and magic.
How Theseus Slays the Minotaur by Nathaniel Hawthorne
How Theseus Slays the Minotaur is a classic story by Nathaniel Hawthorne that tells the tale of a young man who must overcome a terrible monster to save his people. This story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to adventure, work, and relationships.
Huckleberry by Frank Stockton
Huckleberry is a short humorous story by Frank Stockton that tells the story of a young boy who finds a magic lamp and uses its powers to become rich and powerful. This story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to adventure, work, and relationships. The story is also interesting because it teaches about the power of greed and how it can corrupt even the best of people.
English Short Stories for Advanced English Learners
The Fun They Had by Isaac Asimov
The Fun they Had is a short story by Isaac Asimov that tells the story of two children living in the future who finds an old book. The book is about a time when children had to go to school and learn things like reading and writing. The story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to education and the future. In addition, the story can help English learners to understand the use of idiomatic expressions such as “to learn the ropes.”
A Tiny Feast by Chris Adrian
A Tiny Feast is a short story by Chris Adrian that tells the story of a man who is trying to cook a Thanksgiving feast for his family. The man is struggling because he does not have a lot of money or food. This story is good for learning English because it teaches an important lesson about being grateful for what you have. It also introduces vocabulary related to food and cooking.
All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury
“All Summer in a Day” is a short story by Ray Bradbury that takes place on Venus. The story is about a group of children who are waiting for the sun to come out. The sun only comes out once every seven years, and the children are excited to see it. This story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to space and time.
The Landlady by Roald Dahl
The Landlady by Roald Dahl is a short story that tells the story of a young boy who is looking for a place to stay. He finds a room for rent, but the landlady seems very strange. The boy starts to suspect that she may be up to something sinister. This story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to suspicion and fear. In addition, the story can help English learners to understand the use of idiomatic expressions such as “to be up to something.”
There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury
There Will Come Soft Rains is a short story by Ray Bradbury that takes place in the future after a nuclear war. The story is about a house that is still standing after the war, and the robots that live inside of it. The story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to the future and science fiction.
English Short Stories for Students
A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury
A Sound of Thunder is a short story by Ray Bradbury that tells the story of a group of hunters who travel back in time to hunt dinosaurs. However, one of the hunter’s steps on a butterfly alters the future. This story is good for learning English because it teaches an important lesson about the power of nature. It also introduces vocabulary related.
The Lady or the Tiger by Frank. R. Stockton
The Lady or the Tiger is a short story by Frank R. Stockton that tells the story of a young man who must choose between two doors, one of which contains a lady and the other of which contains a tiger. This story is good for learning English because it teaches an important lesson about making choices. It also introduces vocabulary related to love, jealousy, and betrayal.
The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe
The Cask of Amontillado is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe that tells the story of a man who seeks revenge on his adversary by burying him alive. This story is good for learning English because it teaches an important lesson about revenge. It also introduces vocabulary related to death, burial, and vengeance.
Araby by James Joyce
Araby is a short story by James Joyce that tells the story of a young boy who falls in love with a girl who lives in the Dublin slums. The boy goes on a quest to find a gift for the girl, but his journey is ultimately unsuccessful. This story is good for learning English because it teaches an important lesson about unrequited love in city life. It also introduces vocabulary related to religion and Irish culture.
The Veldt by Ray Bradbury
The Veldt is a short story by Ray Bradbury that tells the story of a family who lives in a house with walls that are made of television screens. The family starts to experience strange things happening in their house and they soon realize that the television screens are showing them their own worst fears. This story is good for learning English because it teaches an important lesson about the dangers of technology and city life.
English Short Stories for Adults
The Friday That Everything Changed by Anne Hart
The Friday That Everything Changed is a short story by Anne Hart that tells the story of a woman who has a life-changing experience on a Friday. The woman’s world is turned upside down and she must learn to cope with the changes. This story is good for learning English because it teaches an important lesson about change and adaptation.
Little Dorit by Charles Dickens
Little Dorit is a short story by Charles Dickens that tells the tale of a young girl who is sent to live with her aunt and uncle after her parents die. The story follows Dorit as she adjusts to life in her new home and learns about the different customs and traditions of her new family. This story is good for learning English because it introduces vocabulary related to family, death, and grief. In addition, the story can help English learners to understand the use of idiomatic expressions such as “to adjust to a new situation.”
To Build a Fire by Jack London
To Build a Fire is a classic short story by Jack London that tells the story of a brave person who is trying to survive in the cold Alaskan wilderness. The story is full of suspense and excitement, and it introduces vocabulary related to the power of nature and survival.
The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs
The Monkey’s Paw is a classic short story by W.W. Jacobs that tells the tale of a monkey’s paw that grants three wishes to the family who owns it. The story is full of suspense and mystery, and it introduces vocabulary related to magic and the supernatural. In addition, the story can help English learners to understand the use of idiomatic expressions such as “to be careful what you wish for.”
The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde
The Happy Prince is a short humorous story by Oscar Wilde that tells the tale of a statue who comes to life and helps those in need. The story is full of compassion and teaches important lessons about helping others. In addition, the story introduces vocabulary related to emotions and giving.
English Short Stories for Kids
The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck by Beatrix Potter
The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck is a classic short story in English for kids. It is part of a wider story collection by Beatrix Potter. The story tells the tale of a duck named Jemima who gets lost in the woods. This story is good for learning English because it teaches important lessons about safety and responsibility. It also introduces vocabulary related to animals and nature. In addition, the story can help English learners to understand the use of idiomatic expressions such as “to get lost in the woods.”
The Three Little Pigs by James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps
The Three Little Pigs is a classic children’s story that tells the tale of three pigs who are trying to build their homes. This moral story for kids is good for learning English because it teaches important lessons about teamwork and cooperation. It also introduces vocabulary related to animals, buildings, and homes.
The Elves and the Shoemaker by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
The Elves and the Shoemaker is a classic very short English story that tells the tale of cheerful characters who help a shoemaker make shoes. This story is good for learning English because it teaches important lessons about helping others and being kind. It also introduces vocabulary related to work, clothes, and shoes. In addition, the story can help English learners to understand the use of idiomatic expressions such as “to lend a helping hand.”
Little Red Riding Hood by the Brothers Grimm
Little Red Riding Hood is a classic children’s story that tells the tale of a young girl who is tricked by a wolf. This story is good for learning English because it teaches important lessons about being careful and not talking to strangers. It also introduces vocabulary related to animals, clothes, and food. In addition, the story can help English learners to understand the use of idiomatic expressions such as “to be caught red-handed.”
Thumbelina by Hans Christian Andersen
Thumbelina is a classic children’s story by Hans Christian Andersen that tells the tale of a tiny girl who is kidnapped by an old woman. This story is suitable for learning English because it teaches important lessons about being careful and not talking to strangers. It also introduces vocabulary related to animals, clothes, and food.
Fictional English Short Stories
The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Christian Andersen
Looking for moral stories in English? The Emperor’s New Clothes is a classic children’s story by Hans Christian Andersen that tells the tale of an emperor who is tricked by two swindlers. This story is suitable for learning English because it teaches important lessons about human life, being careful and not trusting easily. It also introduces vocabulary related to clothes and work. In addition, the story can help English learners to understand the use of idiomatic expressions such as “to be caught red-handed.”
The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen
The Snow Queen is a classic fiction story by Hans Christian Andersen that tells the tale of a girl who is kidnapped by the Snow Queen. This story is suitable for learning English because it teaches important lessons about being careful and not talking to strangers. It also introduces vocabulary related to animals, clothes, and food.
Cousin Tribulation’s Story by Louisa May Alcott
Cousin Tribulation’s Story is a classic children’s story that tells the tale of a young girl who is tricked by her cousin. This story is suitable for learning English because it teaches important lessons about being careful and not trusting strangers. It also introduces vocabulary related to clothes and work. In addition, the story can help English learners to understand the use of idiomatic expressions such as “to be caught red-handed.”
The Magic Pitcher by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Magic Pitcher is a classic children’s story that tells the tale of a young boy who is granted a magic pitcher by an old woman. This is a moral story for learning English because it teaches important lessons about being careful and not trusting strangers. It also introduces vocabulary related to animals, clothes, and work.
This Old Man by Roger Angell
This Old Man is a story with moral lessons that tells the tale of an old man who is granted a magic pitcher by an old woman. This story is good for learning English because it teaches important lessons about intuition, doubt, and what it means to be a brave person. It also introduces vocabulary related to animals, clothes, work, and human life. The story is interesting because it teaches a moral lesson and introduces new vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. The story can also help English learners to improve their understanding of idiomatic expressions.
The list of English short stories above has illustrated a useful list of English short stories for English learners. These stories are perfect for those who want to improve their English language skills, as they teach important lessons while also introducing new vocabulary words. In addition, the stories can also help English learners to better understand idiomatic expressions. Overall, these stories are a great resource for anyone looking to improve their English
The more you read, the better your English will become. Reading also helps you learn new vocabulary and understand grammar better. English Short Stories is a fun and easy way to improve your English. They are also a great way to relax and enjoy yourself. So why not start reading English Short Stories today? You’ll be glad you did.
Frequently Asked Questions
When considering which English story is best for kids, there are many factors to consider. age of the child, interests, and attention span are just a few. However, one story that is always popular with kids is “The Three Little Pigs.” The story features three lovable pigs who use their wit and resourcefulness to outsmart a hungry wolf. Not only is the story enjoyable, but it also teaches valuable lessons about planning and working together.
While there are many moral stories that English learners can benefit from, one that stands out is “The Tortoise and the Hare.” This classic tale teaches the importance of perseverance and hard work. Through the story, readers are reminded that even if they are not the fastest or the strongest, they can still succeed if they put in the effort.
Additionally, the story provides a valuable lesson about taking shortcuts in life. As the hare learns the hard way, shortcuts may help in the short term, but they will ultimately lead to failure. For these reasons, “The Tortoise and the Hare” is an excellent moral story for English learners of all ages.
For intermediate learners, a story like “The Secret Garden” can be helpful. This tale is somewhat more complex grammatically, but it also contains a wealth of new vocabulary words. As such, it can help learners to expand their English skills while also enjoying a classic piece of literature. Ultimately, there is no single story that is perfect for all English learners. However, by choosing a story that is appropriate for their level, students can reap the maximum benefits from reading.
There are three primary types of short stories: narrative, descriptive, and reflective. A narrative short story tells a story and often involves conflict and resolution. A descriptive short story uses sensory language to describe a scene or characters. And a reflective short story typically explores the inner thoughts and emotions of the protagonist. Each type of short story has its purpose and can be used to achieve different effects.
One such story is “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” which is thought to be one of the oldest surviving texts in the world. This ancient Mesopotamian epic tells the tale of the heroic king Gilgamesh and his journey to find immortality. Another popular choice is “Beowulf,” an epic poem from Anglo-Saxon England that tells the story of the brave warrior Beowulf and his battle against the mighty dragon, Grendel. These are just two of the many great stories in English literature, making it impossible to choose just one as the best.
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Bethany MacDonald
Bethany MacDonald has contributed articles LillyPad.ai since 2020. As their Blog Lead, she specialises in informative pieces on culture, education, and language learning
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